Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: November 21, 2022
Part of the competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, IAS, Railway-RRB, UPPSC, UGC NET, SBI, MPPSC etc. is dedicated to the current affairs section. Also, it is not difficult to do well in this part if we have a good preparation plan. Candidates can pass the current affairs section of any exam with the right tools and daily news analysis. Our Embibe specialists have curated the latest events from around the world and are included in this publication We analyze the latest news of the day, from The Hindu to the BBC, to bring students up to speed on the latest current events.
Context: Defence
Army to Construct Next-Gen 3D-Printed Bunkers at LAC
The Indian Army will construct modular, 3D-printed, next-generation bunkers to provide better protection to front-line soldiers guarding the country’s border with China in the Ladakh sector.
Create underground facilities for the storage of ammunition at forward locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
Build a raft of new roads, bridges and tunnels as part of an overarching infrastructure push to strengthen its capabilities in the sensitive sector during a lingering border standoff with the neighbour.
About the AM Technology:
AM technology uses computer-aided designing to make prototypes or working models of objects by laying down successive layers of materials such as plastic, resin, thermoplastic, metal, fibre or ceramic.
About the Bunkers:
The modern bunkers, which the army terms 3D printed permanent defences, will come up near LAC next year onwards and will be able to withstand a direct hit by a tank shell.
Their name comes from the fact that they are made using 3D printers; the material used is a proprietary form of quick-drying concrete and admixture.
Benefits:
Reduced raw material wastage; Lower energy and environmental costs; design alterations can be done quickly and efficiently during the Manufacturing Process.
A bunker can be printed in a matter of hours. “That’s the real advantage. The bunkers can be churned out very quickly depending on the army’s requirements”.
Question:
Which technology will be used by the Indian Army to construct modular, 3D-printed, next-generation bunkers?
A. Additive Manufacturing Technology
B. Shell Manufacturing Technology
C. Base Manufacturing Technology
D. Trufin Manufacturing Technology
Answer: A
Context: International Relations
UK-India Young Professionals Scheme
UK PM Rishi Sunak has given the go-ahead for 3,000 visas for young Indian professionals to live and work in the country each year.
About the scheme:
Under the scheme, the UK will offer 3,000 places to 18–30 year-old degree holders holding Indian nationals to live and work in the UK for up to two years
India is the first visa-national country to benefit from such a scheme
The scheme will commence in early 2023 and be on a reciprocal basis
Relevance of the Scheme:
The UK government called the launch of the program a “significant moment” for the UK-India relationship.
Question:
The recently launched UK-India Young Professionals Scheme by PM Rishi Sunak considers the youth of the age group between
A. 15-25 years
B. 18-30 years
C. 20-40 years
D. 30-40 years
Answer: B
Context: National
National Technical Textiles Mission
The Ministry of Textiles, in partnership with the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) and Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), organised a full-day event, “National Conclave on Technical Textiles – Protech”, recently.
Details:
There were three-panel discussions in the conclave covering the prospect of indigenisation of ‘protective textile’ products in India, the experience and expectations of consumers towards adopting Indian protective textiles and Market promotion and Export opportunities of Protective Textiles in India along with Global Best Practices.
Around 450 participants attended the conclave, including Officials and Representatives from the Central Government, Indian Forces, researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals related to technical textiles, especially Protech.
What Are Technical Textiles?
Technical textiles are functional fabrics that have applications across various industries, including automobiles, civil engineering and construction, agriculture, healthcare, industrial safety, personal protection, etc.
Technical Textile products derive their demand from development and industrialisation in a country.
What Is the National Technical Textiles Mission?
It was approved in 2020 by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) with the aim of positioning the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increasing the use of technical textiles in the domestic market.
It aims at taking the domestic market size from USD 40 billion to USD 50 billion by 2024.
Question:
Which of the following years saw CCEA approval for the National Technical Textiles Mission?
A. 2011
B. 2015
C. 2020
D. 2022
Answer: C
Context: Days and Events
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is observed every year from 18 to 24 November. This week aims at spreading awareness about antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines.
This makes infections harder to treat, thus increasing the risk of severe illness. Moreover, this week focuses on how the medical community is educating people about the appropriate use of disease-fighting drugs.
Theme:
This year the theme of World Antimicrobial Awareness week centres around “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”.
History
Recognising the urgent need to raise antibiotic resistance awareness, the World Health Organisation introduced World Antibiotics Awareness Week (WAAW) in 2015.
This came after European governments opted for an action plan on antibiotic resistance in 2011.
This step was taken into consideration to raise awareness on a global level and to take initiatives that seem to be necessary.
Significance:
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week plays a pivotal role when it comes to educating the masses about the problems one might face if they don’t have resistance to antibiotics.
Every year, a global action plan is followed to address the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics.
This week, in particular, motivates us to learn more about antibiotic fundamentals.
How to Raise Awareness about Antibiotic Resistance?
People should be well-equipped with the specific guidelines that the WHO introduced to tackle the serious issue of antibiotic resistance.
The initiative of World Antibiotics Awareness Week (WAAW) is the best viable way to educate the masses about antibiotic resistance.
Question:
Which of the following months is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week observed every year?
A. January
B. August
C. September
D. November
Answer: D
Context: Art and Culture
Kashi Tamil Sangamam Begins in Varanasi
The one-month-long Kashi Tamil Sangam began recently in Varanasi.
The first batch of delegates from Tamil Nadu will reach on 18th November, late at night at Varanasi.
The Sangamam is being organised by the Government of India as a part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and to uphold the Spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
About the Event:
The month-long Sangamam has been organised in Varanasi from 16th November to 19th December.
During this, academic exchanges – seminars, discussions, etc., will be held between experts and scholars on various facets of the two ancient manifestations of Indian culture, with a focus on bringing out the links and shared values between the two.
Objectives:
The objective of Sangamam is to rediscover, reaffirm and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi – two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam aims to provide an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, artists and people from other walks of life from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each others’ experiences.
The endeavour is in sync with National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge.
Themes Covered:
The Sangamam will be centred on themes covering various facets of knowledge – literature, ancient texts, philosophy, spirituality, music, dance, drama, yoga, Ayurveda, handlooms, handicrafts, and as modern innovations, trade exchanges, edutech and other gen-next technology.
Question:
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is organised in which of the following cities?
A. Ayodhya
B. Varanasi
C. Chennai
D. Rameshwaram
Answer: B
Context: Sports
Target Olympic Podium Scheme
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has approved wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s proposal to train in Belmeken, Bulgaria, which is a High Altitude training area situated approximately 2600 m above sea level.
Vinesh, who is accompanied by her physio Ashwini Patil, is training under former Olympic Silver medallist Serafim Barzakov at the camp, which is going to last for 19 days (7-26 November 2022).
The international camp is also expected to have other top wrestlers, such as Bilyana Dudova (2021 World Championship Gold medallist) and Evelina Nikolova (2020 Olympic Bronze medallist), among many other prominent wrestlers.
Key Highlights
Funding would cover Vinesh and her physio’s flight, accommodation, local travel, and food costs, among others
TOPS will also provide her with an out-of-pocket allowance of $50 per day for any other expense she might incur
What Is the Target Olympic Podium Scheme?
To improve India’s performance at the Olympics and Paralympics, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) started the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) in September 2014.
TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) is a flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports that attempts to assist India’s top athletes.
The Scheme looks to add a premium to the preparations of these athletes so that they can win medals in the Olympics.
The Scheme currently supports 104 TOPS Core Group athletes across 13 sports disciplines and Hockey (M & W) teams and 269 TOPS Development Group athletes across 12 sports disciplines.
Question:
Which female athlete has recently been approved for High Altitude training in Bulgaria under the Target Olympic Podium scheme?
A. Sakshi Malik
B. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu
C. Lovlina Borgohain
D. Vinesh Phogat
Answer: D
Context: Environment and Ecology
India, China, Brazil, South Africa Oppose ‘Carbon Border Tax’
With the 27th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP) in Sharm El-Sheikh nearing its final stages and efforts being ramped up to arrive at a conclusive agreement, a consortium of countries that includes India has jointly stated that carbon border taxes, that could result in market distortion and aggravate the trust deficit amongst parties, must be avoided.
The European Union has proposed a policy—the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism—to tax products such as cement and steel that are extremely carbon intensive, with effect from 2026.
What is a carbon border adjustment tax?
A carbon border adjustment tax is a duty on imports based on the amount of carbon emissions resulting from the production of the product in question.
As a price on carbon, it discourages emissions. As a trade-related measure, it affects production and exports.
The idea of a carbon border tax has been discussed by experts for years.
If designed unilaterally, it tends to be seen as unfair by trading partners.
There is the risk that it becomes a protectionist device, unduly shielding local industries from foreign competition in so-called ‘green protectionism’.
How would the EU scheme work?
If implemented as planned, EU importers will have to buy carbon certificates corresponding to the carbon price that would have been paid in the EU, in case the goods had been produced locally.
The price of the certificates would be calculated according to the auction prices in the EU carbon credit market.
The amount of certificates required would be defined yearly by the quantity of goods and the embedded emissions in those goods imported into the EU.
The CBAM would initially apply to imports of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers and electricity.
Details:
BASIC, a group constituting Brazil, India, South Africa and China, and therefore large economies that are significantly dependent on coal, has for several years voiced common concerns and reiterated their right to use fossil fuels in the interim during their countries’ eventual transformation to clean energy sources.
Question:
In the recent 27th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP) in Sharm El Sheikh, which of the following countries did not oppose the proposal of carbon border tax?
A. India
B. South Africa
C. China
D. Nepal
Answer: D
Context: Sports
The Phrygian Cap Chosen as Paris 2024 Mascot
The Phrygian cap, the symbol of the French republic but wearing sneakers as a nod to the present, was unveiled as the mascot for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Olympic Phryge (pronounced fri-jee-uhs) is a bit smaller, the Paralympic Phryge is a bit slimmer and has a blade on its right leg because it is a Phyrge with an impairment.
Details:
The mascots were unveiled in a press conference in Paris by Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet, Beijing 2008 wheelchair tennis men’s doubles champion Michael Jérémiasz, and Gwladys Épangue, a bronze medallist in Taekwondo from Beijing 2008.
What is Phryges?
Phryges (pronounced fri-jee-uhs) are small Phrygian caps, which represent a strong symbol of liberty, inclusivity, and the ability of people to support great and meaningful causes.
They are kitted out in a red, white, and blue colourway, with the golden Paris 2024 logo emblazoned across their chests.
They also have a mischievous and expressive eye made of a ‘cockade of France’, a knot of ribbons, which is the French national ornament.
While Phryges are part of a large family, the main heroes of Paris 2024 will be Olympic Phryge and Paralympic Phryge.
Over the next two years, both of them will play a key role in promoting the upcoming games, before welcoming the athletes to Paris 2024.
Question:
The Phrygian cap is recently chosen as the Mascot of which of the following international Sports events?
A. Para Olympics 2024
B. Commonwealth Games 2025
C. Paris Olympics 2024
D. Asian Games 2024
Answer: C
Context: International
The 10th International Tourism Mart
The Ministry of Tourism is organising the 10th International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North-Eastern Region from November 17 to 19 in Aizawl, Mizoram.
Objective:
The objective of International Tourism Mart, 2022 is to highlight the tourism potential of the North-Eastern region in domestic and international markets.
About International Tourism Mart (ITM):
The International Tourism Marts are organised in the North-Eastern states on rotation basis.
Mizoram is hosting this Mart for the first time.
The earlier editions of this mart were held in Guwahati, Tawang, Shillong, Gangtok, Agartala, Imphal and Kohima.
The event focuses on “Priorities of G20 for Tourism Track”, since India will assume the forthcoming G20 Presidency for a year, starting from December 1, 2022.
The Mart aims to bring together the tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight North-Eastern states.
The event has been planned and scheduled to facilitate interaction between buyers, sellers, media, government agencies, and other stakeholders to create a buzz.
What is included in the Mart?
The Mart includes presentations by eight North-Eastern states on their tourism potential, along with cultural evenings and sightseeing visits to local attractions in and around Aizawl.
It also includes B2B meetings where buyers from different regions of the country will engage in one-on-one meetings with sellers from the North-Eastern Region.
Also, an exhibition including the display of handicrafts and handlooms is being organised to showcase the tourism products of the respective participating states.
Question:
In which of the following states is the 10th International Tourism Mart being organised?
A. Rajasthan
B. Tripura
C. Mizoram
D. Kerala
Answer: C
Context: Person in News
CEA Arvind Virmani Appointed as a Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog
Former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Virmani has been appointed as a full-time member of NITI Aayog, according to official notification.
Arvind Virmani served as the Chief Economic Adviser in the Finance Ministry (2007-2009).
Details:
The Prime Minister has approved the appointment of Shri Arvind Virmani, Founder, Chairman, Foundation for Economic Growth and Welfare as a Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog with immediate effect and until further orders, on the same terms and conditions as are applicable to Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog.
About Arvind Virmani:
He served as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monetary Policy from February 2013 to August 2016.
Virmani, a PhD in Economics from Harvard University, USA, has also served as Principal Advisor to the Planning Commission.
Other Members:
NITI Aayog, which is the government’s premier think-tank, is headed by the Prime Minister and presently has three members, VK Saraswat, Ramesh Chand, and VK Paul.
Question:
Who of the following has recently been appointed as a full member of NITI Aayog?
A. Krishnamurthy Subramanian
B. V Anantha Nageswaran
C. Arvind Subramanian
D. Arvind Virmani
Answer: D
Context: National
Indian Chemicals Council Sustainability Conclave
Chemicals and Petrochemicals Secretary Arun Baroka inaugurated the 4th edition of Indian Chemicals Council, ICC Sustainability Conclave in New Delhi recently.
Theme:
The theme of the two-day event is ‘Boardrooms to Community-ESG, Carbon Neutrality, Operational Safety, Greener Solutions’.
Rationale:
The Conclave aims to promote sustainability in the management of the entire life cycle of chemicals.
It is being organised jointly with the United Nations Environment Program and the International Council of Chemical Associations with support of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Question:
The 4th edition of Indian Chemicals Council Sustainability Conclave was inaugurated in which of the following States/UT?
A. Gujarat
B. Telangana
C. Delhi
D. Pondicherry
Answer: C
Context: Person in News
Indian Basketball Legend Abbas Moontasir Passes Away
The former Indian basketball captain and Arjuna awardee, Gulam Abbas Moontasir, passed away in Mumbai. From Nagpada Basketball Association to the International stage, he was always an aggressive player with a unique physical style on the court.
About Moontasir:
Born in Mumbai, Moontasir started playing basketball at the age of nine at the local courts of Nagpada, Central Mumbai.
He attended the Antonio D’Souza school and DG Ruparel College to complete his education.
But he always had an attraction towards sports, especially basketball.
He was always seen playing basketball for his school, university, and the Maharashtra state.
Giving a kickstart to his career, he made his international debut in Mumbai in 1960 against Australia.
Later, he represented his country in the quadrangular in Colombo in 1964 and played the game with exceptional skills and an aggressive style.
The legendary player received global recognition after he captained the Indian side at Asian Basketball Championship in 1969 and 1975, held in Bangkok.
During the matches, the basketball fans saw a spark inside him, and people started calling him the real angry man of the 1970s due to his aggression on the court.
India’s Top Basketball Player by 22:
Moontasir became one of India’s top basketball players by age 22 and managed to get several international recognitions for the country.
After attending international tournaments, he identified three main problems in basketball: outdated method of game, ridiculous refereeing, and constant bickering by the Basketball Federation of India.
He raised his concerns in the public domain, due to which he was banned from playing basketball for three years.
He became the first basketball player from India in 1970 to receive the Arjuna Award and continued playing till 1986, when he represented the Railways in the Federation Cup. He also made a place in popular culture and worked in a few Bollywood films.
Question:
Which former Indian basketball legend and Arjuna awardee recently passed away?
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